Omar Gonzalez ready to get to business after returning from international and All-Star duty

Omar Gonzalez ready to get to business after returning from international and All-Star duty

CARSON, Calif. – Landon Donovan wasn’t the only U.S. National Team star that the LA Galaxy welcomed back to the fold on Friday as defender Omar Gonzalez returned from his brief stint with the U.S. and MLS All-Star team.

Gonzalez went 45 minutes in the MLS All-Stars defeat to AS Roma, but only made a brief shift in the closing stages of the U.S. Gold Cup Final victory over Panama. The Galaxy defender is expected to be in action on Saturday.

“I’m happy to be back in L.A., I’m looking forward to being back with the Galaxy,” said Gonzalez. “I’m looking forward to these games, finding a way to improve as a team, and get ready for the second half of the season.”

Juventus will the second Italian team that Gonzalez faces in a week after his shift against Roma. But even though the chance to face some of the top teams from around the globe is enjoyable, Gonzalez admits that his focus is simply on improving for the stretch run.

“It’s an opportunity for us to face teams from overseas, and not just any teams, but some of the world’s best teams,” said Gonzalez. “It’s a great experience for all of us, and I think that this is a chance for us to tune ourselves up for the second half of the season.”